Jewish Observer issue of Decem,ber 6, 2018 by Jewish Federation of CNY

28 KISLEV 5779 • DECEMBER 6, 2018 • VOLUME XXXIX, NUMBER 24 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Israeli deputy consul general comes to Syracuse BY JUDITH L. STANDER On Tuesday, December 11, at 7 pm, Israeli Deputy Consul General Israel Nitzan will speak on “In Support of Israel” at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center. The talk is open to the public and there will be light refreshments. As deputy consul general of the Consulate General of Israel in New York, the largest Israeli mission in the world, Nitzan coordinates the political work of the consulate in the five states within his jurisdiction. He develops relations with national, state and local officials and acts as the liaison for the state of Israel to the national and local leadership of the Jewish community based in New York. In addition, he coordinates interfaith dialogue and outreach nationally for the Israeli Foreign Ministry and its missions in the United States. Prior to his current appointment, Nitzan was the director of the Foreign Ministry’s United Nations Political Affairs Department, where he oversaw Israeli policies and actions within the

United Nations. Before that, he served as minister-counselor for political affairs at the permanent mission of Israel to the U.N., where he spoke on behalf of Israel on the floor of the Security Council and numerous committees. Previously, he served in the arms control department to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction around the

Israeli Deputy Consul General Israel Nitzan

world. His other positions at the ministry have included working within the Southeast Asia Department and at the Center for Policy Research, where he specialized in Islamic affairs. He is on his fourth foreign posting following two overseas positions at the Israeli Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. His first posting in Cairo was as spokesperson from 2002-05.

In 2009, he returned there as the deputy chief of mission until the embassy was attacked and evacuated during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. Nitzan was born in Netanya in 1975. He completed his bachelor of arts in Middle East history and international relations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem following his service in the Israel Defense Forces. In addition to Hebrew and English, he is fluent in Arabic. He is married and the father of four.

David Hootnick donates books to Federation Campaign donors David Hootnick, a longtime supporter of the Jewish Federation of Central New York, has provided books as giving incentives over the past several Campaigns. In honor of his late mother, Anna Hootnick, who “loved sharing fascinat-

ing stories with her nearest and dearest,” Hootnick has chosen “The Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kadish and “The Marriage of Opposites” by Alice Hoffman. For the 2019 Federation Campaign, donors can select one book if they increase their pledges by at least $100 from last

year’s Campaign and two books if they increase their pledges by at least $150. For more information on the program, or to make a gift, contact Colleen Baker at 315-445-2361 or at cbaker@jewishfederationcny.org. To make a gift online, go to www.jewishfederationcny.org.

Pitzer College faculty votes to end study abroad in Israel, student government resists BY JACKSON RICHMAN (JNS) – The faculty at Pitzer College in California voted in favor of two anti-Israel motions on November 26: to halt its studyabroad program with the University of Haifa and a dissention in June regarding the school’s Board of Trustees invalidating a student government BDS resolution, which passed in April 2017. The measure over the study-abroad program in Israel passed, urging for the “suspension of the College’s exchange with Haifa University, until (a) the Israeli state ends its restrictions on entry to Israel based on ancestry and/or political speech and (b) the Israeli state adopts policies granting visas for exchanges to Palestinian universities on a fully equal basis as it does to Israeli universities.” A student government resolution, titled “A Resolution Denouncing Action by the Faculty That Eliminates Student Learning Opportunities,” was introduced before the student senate and was to be introduced to the student council later the week of November 27. It contends the faculty proposition was about “forwarding a political agenda” and “eliminates student learning opportunities.” “[O]nly the University of Haifa studyabroad program was called into question without the same standards of review being applied to any other study abroad program,” added the resolution, saying that to “act unilaterally without regard to Student Voice … constitutes an abuse of

power and rebuke of Pitzer’s tradition of shared governance.” Moreover, the motion passed regarding BDS was a dissension from the decision of Pitzer College President Melvin Oliver and Pitzer College Trustees to cancel a student senate resolution, defining BDS as “a global campaign promoting various forms of boycott against Israel” until the Jewish state fulfills “obligations under international law,” defined as withdrawal from the occupied territories, removal of the separation barrier in the West Bank, full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promotion of the right of return of Palestinian refugees.” “[I]ndependent of agreeing or disagreeing with that resolution, we the Faculty object to the president and trustees singling out this one issue as a basis for not accepting the Senate’s longstanding autonomy in controlling its funds, in the context of Pitzer’s governance system,” the faculty stated. “The students voted for divestment a few years ago on Passover/Easter weekend. The Board of Trustees overturned it,” a Pitzer alum, who asked not to be named, told JNS. “And now this. Nothing surprises me.” Pitzer spokesperson Anna Chang declined to comment on the development: “The College community of students, faculty and staff are deliberating the issue through Pitzer’s shared governance process. The college [does] not plan to release any formal statements until the process is completed.”

Alan Dershowitz simply told JNS that what Pitzer’s faculty did was “bigotry and antisemitism to single out only the nation-state of the Jewish people.” Asaf Romirowsky, executive director of Scholars for Middle East Peace, said the actions by the faculty to halt the studyabroad program with the University of Haifa “highlights the ‘Palestinianization’ of the faculty emboldened by its pro-BDS faculty and the movement at large. “Adeeper look, into this specific egregious motion underscores the disconnect between BDS and the reality of the Israel and the Middle East at large especially, given the amount of Arab students and faculty affiliated with Haifa University and benefit from Israel’s higher education,” he said. “The anti-normalization which dominates proBDS resolutions highlights how ideological and closed-minded faculty are to actual facts which are overshadowed by their opinions.” Pro-Israel groups, such as the AMCHA Initiative, condemned the faculty motions. “Calling to shut down a school’s study abroad program in Israel is exactly what an academic boycott looks like,”AMCHAsaid in an appeal to contact Oliver. “Indeed, the 2014 guidelines of the PalestinianAcademic

and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) specifically call on faculty boycotters to work towards the closure of their own university’s study-abroad programs in Israel.” “These non-binding motions are deeply discriminatory and disappointing. Suspending study abroad in Haifa would limit educational opportunities for students and cut off the free exchange of ideas,” Ron Krudo, StandWithUs executive director of Campus Affairs, told JNS. “That said, we are encouraged by the student government’s criticism of the anti-study abroad motion and note that other governing bodies at Pitzer still have the chance to stand up for academic freedom.” “The faculty vote to suspend Pitzer College’s study-abroad program with the University of Haifa is a despicable effort by the faculty to impose their hateful antisemitic, anti-Israel political agenda on students,” Zionist Organization of America President Mort Klein told JNS. “Faculty have no right to violate Pitzer students’ academic freedom and dictate where they can and cannot study.” “By these two acts, Pitzer College has demonstrated that the true mission of any See “College” on page 2

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A

December 7..................... 4:12 pm................................. Parashat Miketz-Chanukah December 14................... 4:12 pm.................................................Parashat Vayigash December 21................... 4:15 pm....................................................Parashat Vayichi December 28................... 4:19 pm................................................... Parashat Shemot January 4.......................... 4:25 pm...................................................... Parashat Vaera

INSIDE THIS ISSUE New Negev town

Congregational notes

Missile alert apps

A new Negev town will integrate Dinners, discussions, movies, Missile alert apps give real-time and aid families of children with children’s events and more are notification when missiles or medical needs into communal life. announced by local synagogues. rockets are fired into Israel. Stories on page 4 Story on page 2 Story on page 5

PLUS Classifieds................................ 6 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Obituaries................................. 7 News in Brief........................... 8

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ DECEMBER 6, 2018/28 KISLEV 5779

Negev town to aid families of children with medical and therapeutic needs

BY JOSH HASTEN (JNS) – The Israeli government gave its stamp of approval in September on the establishment of an inclusive new town within the Merhavim Regional Council in Israel’s Western Negev Desert. The construction of the new community, which will be named “Daniel,” is being built in collaboration with Merhavim; the Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing; and ALEH, Israel’s network of care for children with severe complex disabilities. The targeted completion date is within the next two years. ALEH currently runs four residential facilities providing more than 750 of Israel’s most vulnerable children with high-level medical and rehabilitative care. The name “Daniel” was chosen in memory of 4-year-old Daniel Tragerman, who was killed in a mortar attack launched by terrorists at communities near the Gaza border in 2014, just two days before the end of the Israel Defense Forces’ “Operation Protective Edge” against Hamas. Daniel’s mother, Gila, is the spokeswoman for the Merhavim Regional Council. Set for construction Just west of Ofakim and adjacent to ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran – the network’s southern-based rehabilitative village – Daniel will integrate residents with severe complex disabilities as part of the communal fabric and provide housing for medical professionals who will find employment at ALEH’s new Neuro-Orthopedic Rehabilitation Hospital, slated to open on the ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran campus in early 2019. Former Knesset member Avi Wortzman, who serves as director general of

At right: An ALEH volunteer spent time with a child with disabilities. (Photo courtesy ALEH: Advancement and Rehabilitation of Children with Complex Disabilities)

ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran, explained the concept of the new town to JNS. “The idea was to build a new community near ALEH Negev so that families who have kids with special needs will be able to get treatment close by. At the same time, this will be an ideal housing option for the medical personnel and therapists who work at ALEH,” he says. Wortzman believes that within five years, an estimated 1,000 employees will have found work at ALEH Negev, including at the rehabilitation village and within the new hospital. He envisions another 1,000 volunteers serving within the organization and its various projects. Israel is already in the midst of a severe housing crisis, and ALEH views this new community, which will include 500 units when completed, as a solution toward easing that burden. But most importantly, Wortzman notes, the new town will offer “a high-standard of living and feature facilities that can accommodate and will be accessible for people with disabilities.” He adds that the community will be a

model of integration to which the rest of the country can turn to as an example. “I see this as a utopia where children with disabilities and others will be able to live together and interact with each other,” he says. According to Wortzman, “over the past few years, Israelis have gotten much better when it comes to the inclusion of people with disabilities – whether accepting them into their communities or making facilities wheelchair- [and handicapped-] accessible – but we still have a long way to go.” He says he is proud of a current project ALEH is running for 13,000 ninth grade students in Israel in collaboration with the Ministry of Education called “Repairing the World, Together,” in which the children study from a curriculum that teaches them how to accept others with disabilities. It is paralleled by time volunteering within ALEH’s facilities. Head of the Merhavim Regional Council Shay Hajaje views the construction of Daniel in the Negev as a “remarkable Zionist” endeavor. “Building this town is just amazing. This is a core principle

in Zionism,” he tells JNS, adding that “this new unique town has the potential of assisting so many people.” He adds that naming the town “Daniel” after his spokesman’s son gives the project so much more meaning: “This is a big privilege to be a part of.” Wortzman, who lives in the city of Beersheva, known as “the capital of the Negev,” notes that he turned down an opportunity to serve for a second term in the Knesset in order to remain at the helm of ALEH’s southern branch. “Being an MK is important, but going to work every day and knowing I can enhance people’s lives, this is very fulfilling. Now with the construction of the hospital and the new construction of Daniel, it’s [even more of] an honor to be a part of the future of building the Negev.” According to the Ministry of Construction and Housing, there is already a high demand to live in Daniel, as it will draw a wide variety of people, including ALEH-affiliated families and health providers, as well as young couples from the region looking for a new community, and career IDF soldiers who serve in the area. “The establishment of new towns in the south will bring more people from Israel’s center, strengthening its economy and increasing the safety of the overall area,” said Minister of Construction and Housing Yoav Gallant in a statement. “And by partnering with ALEH, we will not only be creating jobs and impacting the bottom line,” he said, “but emphasizing social aspects like caring for those with disabilities and special needs.”

European deal will cement Israeli rabbis’ “monopoly” over conversion, say critics BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ (JTA) – In a move that could affect thousands of European converts to Judaism, Israel’s Chief Rabbinate has agreed to stop sending Israeli rabbis to perform conversions in Europe. Instead, the Chief Rabbinate will recognize the Conference of European Rabbis, an Orthodox umbrella group, as the sole authority over Jewish conversion in Europe. In return, European Orthodox rabbis will not recognize conversions performed each year in Israel in private courts that the Chief Rabbinate does not recognize. The deal, whose existence was exposed in an article published on November 26 by Israel Hayom, led to protests by advocates for a less restrictive conversion policy in Israel. With the deal, the Chief Rabbinate is

College

college, the pursuit of knowledge and truth has been eclipsed by the current in vogue wave of antisemitism that has been thinly cloaked in anti-Zionism,” Sarah Stern, founder and president of the Endowment for Middle East Truth, told JNS. “They are ignoring the history of the conflict, and the constant Israeli offers for peace that have been rejected, time and time again, by the Palestinians. Universities have always been the first milieus where antisemitism has taken root. “In Weimer Germany, just before the advent of Nazism, the universities were the first institutions to fire its Jewish employees and faculty,” added Stern. “The philosopher Martin Heidegger actually fired the father of phenomenology, Edmund Husserl. Let’s call it what it is. This is just the current mutation of a familiar old virus: antisemitism.” Pitzer College President Melvin Oliver slammed the school’s faculty on November

“attempting both to cement its monopoly over conversion in Israel, and to expand its influence in Europe,” Seth Farber, director of the Itim group in Israel, wrote in a letter to the Israel attorney general asking him to block the deal. Israel sees about 4,000 conversions annually that are recognized by the haredi Orthodox Chief Rabbinate, according to a report on conversions in the Jewish state commissioned last year by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Itim represents converts to Judaism who are not recognized by the Chief Rabbinate. The agreement between the European group and the Chief Rabbinate follows a period of uncertainty regarding the Chief Rabbinate’s recognition of conversions performed abroad, said the European Continued from page 1

29 for voting in favor of the two anti-Israel motions. “I have listened to the arguments and observations made in support of this motion and frankly, I find that they show little or no consideration for our educational objectives and mission; in fact, I find the outcome of the discussion to be a repudiation of our educational mission,” said Oliver at the Pitzer College Council. “To deny Pitzer students who want to study at Haifa University the opportunity to study abroad, and to enter into dialogue and promote intercultural understanding at the altar of political considerations is anathema to Pitzer’s core value. If the suspension of the Haifa University program becomes a reality, this will be paltry support for the cause of Palestinian rights, and a major blow to the reputation and reality of Pitzer College as a scholarly institution committed to its stated values of intercultural understanding and the ability of students to pursue their vision of educational engagement.”

group’s president, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt. In recent years, institutions of the Chief Rabbinate have not recognized some Orthodox conversions performed abroad by Orthodox rabbis. Under the new agreement, “Israeli rab-

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bis will no longer set up a rabbinical court for conversions in a European country, independently to that community’s existing Jewish community,” Goldschmidt said. Goldschmidt argued that the deal means See “Deal” on page 8 All articles, announcements and photographs must be received by noon Wednesday, 15 days prior to publication date. Articles must be typed, double spaced and include the name of a contact person and a daytime telephone number. E-mail submissions are encouraged and may be sent to JewishObserverCNY@gmail.com. The Jewish Observer reserves the right to edit any copy. Signed letters to the editor are welcomed: they should not exceed 250 words. Names will be withheld at the discretion of the editor. All material in this newspaper has been copyrighted and is exclusive property of the Jewish Observer and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed by our writers, columnists, advertisers and by our readers do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s and editors’ points of view, nor that of the Jewish Federation of Central New York. The newspaper reserves the right to cancel any advertisements at any time. This newspaper is not liable for the content of any errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. The Jewish Observer does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. THE JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (USPS 000939) (ISSN 1079-9842) Publications Periodical postage paid at Syracuse, NY and other offices. Published 24 times per year by the Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc., a non-profit corporation, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214. Subscriptions: $36/year; student $10/ year. POST MASTER: Send address change to JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214.

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DECEMBER 6, 2018/28 KISLEV 5779 ■

AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Syracuse Jewish Genealogy to meet on December 16

The Syracuse Jewish Genealogy group will meet on Sunday, December 16, at 1:30 pm, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center. Steven Sisskind will speak on the various cemeteries in the Syracuse area and what genealogists can learn from cemeteries and cemetery records. He is a funeral director who has served the Syracuse Jewish community for more than 30 years. For more information, contact Michael Fixler at fixler44@ gmail.com.

This will be the second meeting of this Jewish year, as the group met in October and had international board member Jay Sage speak on DNA research and genealogy. There was about double the normal attendance. The steering committee members, Fixler, Ken Brynien, Yonat Klein, Barbara Walzer and Carolyn Surine, have been meeting to plan the rest of the year’s programs. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, contact Fixler at the above address.

Israeli Deputy Consul General Israel Nitzan to address CNY community

The Jewish Federation of Central New York invites the Central New York community to listen to Israeli Deputy Consul General Israel Nitzan on Tuesday, December 11, at 7 pm, in the Anne and Hy Miller Family Auditorium at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center. Light refreshments are planned.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu DECEMBER 10-14 Monday – vegetable soup and tuna salad on rye Tuesday – baked ziti Wednesday – chicken rollatini Thursday – meatloaf Friday – birthday celebration – turkey with stuffing DECEMBER 17-21 Monday – tomato basil soup, grilled cheese sandwich Tuesday – Hawaiian chicken over rice Wednesday – mac and cheese Thursday – stuffed cabbage Friday – fresh salmon with dill DECEMBER 24-28 Monday – Teriyaki crispy baked chicken wings Tuesday – closed Wednesday – chicken fried rice Thursday – split pea soup, hamburger with sautéed onion Friday – New Year’s Celebration – honey-glazed chicken DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 4 Monday – vegetable lasagna Tuesday – closed Wednesday – cheese quiche Thursday – hamburger with sautéed onion Friday – fresh salmon with dill The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community

Center offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday through Friday at noon. Lunch reservations are required by noon on the previous business day. There is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu is subject to change. The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For further information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 315-445-2360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org.

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DeWitt Recreation is seeking p/t Program Coordinators and staff for after school Recreation Program at David Klim Center in Springfield Gardens in DeWitt. Program set to open in early January, 2019. Hours 2:30 – 5:30pm M-F and follow the J-D school district calendar. For application and complete job descriptions go to www.townofdewitt.com. All applicants subject to background check. Deadline for applications is December 14.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ DECEMBER 6, 2018/28 KISLEV 5779

CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Temple Adath Yeshurun TAY SISTERHOOD BOOK DISCUSSION On Sunday, December 9, the Temple Adath Yeshurun Sisterhood will host a book discussion of “We Were the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter. This New York Times bestseller is the true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, how they survived and how they were reunited. The program will be held in the Muriel

and Avron Spector Library. Book discussions are a TAY Sisterhood initiative and are open to the public. For more information, contact the TAY office at 315-445-0002 or info@adath.org. TAY PRESENTS “DESTINATION: INDIA” On Thursday, December 13, at 6:30 pm, the Temple Adath Yeshurun Sisterhood will sponsor and present a cultural See “TAY” on page 6

At left: TAY Hazak members awaited the arrival of the religious school children for the annual Chanukah bazaar.

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas A TASTE OF SPAIN: CBS-CS HONORS BETTE SIEGEL AND STEFFI BERGMAN On Saturday, January 5, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will pay tribute to Bette Siegel and Steffi Bergman in honor of their contributions to CBS-CS and the Central New York Jewish community. The evening will feature a kosher multicourse Spanish-style dinner prepared by Donald Siegel, as well as entertainment from master of ceremonies Arel Moodie and a musical guest. CBS-CS will publish a tribute book commemorating the occasion, which will give participants the opportunity to express well-wishes and congratulations to the guests of honor with a personalized message. For more information about reservations or the tribute book, contact Daryl Weiss at manager@cbscs.org. SHABBAT SPOT On Saturday, December 15, at 9:30

am, CBS-CS will hold a Shabbat Spot, a service that includes enhanced programming beyond the regular service. This tradition has been occurring for more than a decade at CBS-CS. For Shabbat Spots this year, CBS-CS has paused before the Torah service for a snack and a variety of learning opportunities. This Shabbat Spot will include activities for children, singing and a traditional learning session. PJ HAVDALAH/PARENTS NIGHT OUT On Saturday, December 15, at 6 pm, parents may enjoy a night out while their children can participate in Havdalah in their PJs, have dinner, do a craft and watch a movie at CBS-CS. The CBS-CS ACHLA United Synagogue Youth members will help coordinate the activities. The evening is open to children 3 years old and above. Reservations may be made by contacting Program Director Melissa Harkavy at director@cbscs.org.

Temple Concord SPIRITUAL STORYTELLING JAMBOREE COMES TO TEMPLE CONCORD ON DEC. 15 BY STEWART KOENIG Temple Concord will host the Spiritual Storytelling Jamboree with storytellers from many traditions on Saturday, December 15, from 7-9 pm, at the synagogue. The event is presented by Transformational Storytelling, a school founded by Maggid

Jim Brulé to train people to be spiritual/ transformational storytellers. Storytellers, including Brulé, will be present from Jewish, Christian and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. They will tell stories from those backgrounds, as well as from Zen Buddhism, Muslim and West African. The other storytellers will include Jessie Kerr-Whitt, Craig French and Madalyn Smith.

This is the semi-annual performance by students, alumni and faculty of Brulé’s school, which is completing its third year and includes students from across the country and around the world. The night before, on December 14, Kerr-Whitt will receive smicha (ordination) from Brulé as a maggidah, a Jewish spiritual storyteller and guide, carrying forth a lineage that extends back to the Ba’al Shem Tov.

Brulé said, “One of the most exciting things for me is to be engaged in these multi-faith and multi-cultural exchanges, which enrich our own attachment to our personal traditions by helping see the world from multiple perspectives. The telling of these spiritual stories inspires the transformation of the audience, the teller and the story itself. It’s magic in See “TC” on page 7

DECEMBER 6, 2018/28 KISLEV 5779 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

Jammin’ Klezmer Sundays coming to the JCC January 13 and February 17 BY ANKUR DANG The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center will host two klezmer events in the new year. The free musical events will be held on Sundays, January 13 and February 17, from 2-4 pm, in the Anne and Hy Miller Family Auditorium at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. The local Keyna Hora Klezmer Band will be the program’s host band. The performances are open to the

public, and individual members of the community and independent Jewish musical groups are invited be a part of the performances. There will be copies of the music available. However, participants should bring their own music stand. Any singer who would like to participate with the band’s accompaniment should bring copies of his or her music. Prospective participants may also choose to perform on their own or with their own group

or accompanist. People of all ages, including pre-teens, are welcome to participate. The Keyna Hora Klezmer Band’s repertoire includes traditional Jewish and Yiddish music. There will be dancers and instructors on hand to teach and lead the dancing. A variety of light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Sid Lipton at 315-6828489 or liptonsl@windstream.net.

Save the date: “Who Will Write Our History” screening at the JCC January 20 BY WILLIAM WALLAK On Sunday, January 20, at 2 pm, the film “Who Will Write Our History” will be shown at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. The screening is free and open to the public. This is a story about who gets to tell the story. During the Holocaust, a group of spiritual resistors risked their lives so that the truth would

survive, even if they didn’t. “Who Will Write Our History” is the story of Emanuel Ringelblum and the clandestine organization Oyneg Shabes, which he created to document the experiences of those in the Warsaw Ghetto. With more than 30,000 pages of essays, photographs, posters and more, the Oyneg Shabes archive is considered the most important cache of in-the-moment, eyewitness

accounts from the Holocaust. It documents not only how the Jews of the ghetto died, but how they lived. The film is based on the book of the same name by historian Samuel Kassow. The film screening is being sponsored by the JCC of Syracuse and the Jewish Federation of Central New York. For more information, contact the JCC at 315-445-2360 or info@jccsyr.org.

Mah Jongg cards fund-raiser to benefit JCC Seniors Program BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center is taking pre-orders for 2019 National Mah Jongg League cards. The cards are available in standard and large print sizes, and their sale will benefit the JCC’s Senior Meal Program. The order deadline is Friday, January 11. Cindy Stein, JCC director of adult and senior pro-

gramming, said, “Anyone can order Mah Jongg cards through the JCC. It’s very convenient and you’ll be helping to support our senior program. You don’t have to be a JCC member or play Mah Jongg at the JCC to place an order.” All card orders will be mailed by the National Mah Jongg League directly to purchasers’ homes by mid-

March. Card purchasers will automatically receive a one-year membership in the National Mah Jongg League. Mah Jongg is played at the JCC of Syracuse on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting at 12:30 pm. New players are always welcome to join the games. For more information about ordering Mah Jongg cards or playing Mah Jongg at the JCC, contact Stein at 315-445-2040, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org, or visit www.jccsyr.org.

In Israel, missile alert apps save lives Don’t miss – and spread anxiety the boat...

I pray for the people there to have BY SAM SOKOL strength and be safe,” said ChaJERUSALEM (JTA) – Four na Shields Rosenfelder of Beit years ago, on the eve of the Israeli Shemesh, a central Israeli city locatmilitary’s Gaza operation known ed between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. as Protective Edge, a private deBarbara Freedman of Jerusalem veloper created the Red Alert app echoed that feeling. “I put on an app providing real-time notification so that I am aware of the suffering of when missiles or rockets were fired into Israel. Since then, Red Alert Israeli apps alert users whenever a our brothers and sisters in the south, and smartphone apps like it have missile is headed into the country. (Photo and so my life is not ‘business as usual,’” she said. become tools for saving lives, social by Sam Sokol) That impulse is felt even thoumedia sites in their own right – a portable source of anxiety for Israelis already living in sands of miles away. Shmuel Katz, an American immigrant living in Beit Shemesh, recalled how his son, who a state of high alert. As Hamas and other terrorist groups again fired hun- had moved back to the United States, had gotten in trouble dreds of rockets at cities and towns in Israel’s south recently, at work because his phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. The alert apps were again pinging and buzzing their way into son had to explain to a stunned supervisor that dozens the Israeli psyche. When a reporter asked on Facebook of rockets were being launched at Israeli citizens, and if they made users anxious, Israelis were quick to agree. that he had installed Red Alert in order to “keep up and “I had to turn it off,” Izzy Berkson said. “It was make sure that his family here was safe.” Paul Frosh, a professor of communications at Hebrew stressing me out a lot more than it should’ve.” Aviva Adler said she had turned off notifications University, says the apps are in a tradition of more humble technologies, including church bells and sirens, that because “it was just too nerve-wracking.” Inside the areas most likely to be targeted, the apps have been used not only to signal specific events, but to have become essential. But even those living at a distance “connect people to each other across space and time.” from Gaza say they want to know when the missiles are Like the Muslim call to prayer or the Shabbat siren that incoming, often as a way of showing solidarity with their sounds in Jerusalem, he said they enable people to “feel part of the community at the same time.” fellow Israelis. See “Alert” on page 6 “I use it, so that each time there is a siren anywhere,

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ DECEMBER 6, 2018/28 KISLEV 5779

D’VAR TORAH

Chanukah light BY RABBI DANIEL FELLMAN Tradition teaches that we Jews are to be an or l’goyim, a light unto the nations. This call is part of the practice of displaying our lit chanukiot in the windows to broadcast the miracle of the holiday. And while that is all well and good, in our world today, a different call may be more pressing. Living in a post-Pittsburgh world where Jews are increasingly under attack, the need to shine a light to others seems off the mark. This year, our Chanukah lights need to shine as an or l’Yehudim, a light to our fellow Jews, to remind us of our connections to each other, our shared history and our need for Jewish life and community. When the Chanukah lights glow brightly, we recall all that we share as fellow Jews. The lights remind us that even as we observe differently, we share a unique and powerful bond as Jews. We share a core belief in God, a compelling, if complicated, relationship with the land of Israel and more. The lights remind us of the many equal streams of our faith, and shared struggle

Alert

However, unlike those previous methods, users of the modern-day alert apps opt in and are “deliberately making themselves the subject of an emergency broadcast,” Frosh said. “That’s a very powerful opt-in medium of social solidarity and cohesion.” Asked if he believes that the use of such apps contributes to the spread of anxiety among the population, Frosh replied that it very well might do so. But what he finds even more interesting is why people would choose to subject themselves to that. “It’s almost as if people are saying ‘I should be anxious, I live in a community with these people, even if they are strangers,’ and it’s almost as if I have a moral [imperative] to experience their anxiety,” he said. “They may not benefit from their anxiety, but my being part of this emergency system is a sign of solidarity and makes me feel closer to them.” For other users, the apps fill a more practical need, even if the government and military don’t always approve. During the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2014, Daniel Tal-Or, who lives in Efrat, near Jerusalem, was having issues with Israel’s official air raid notification system. “My wife is hearing impaired, and we had problems with the sirens not reaching everyone” in our town, he recalled. “In situations like this, it’s very important that you have a backup.” With missiles from Gaza again raining down on Israel, Tal-Or created his own take on Red Alert. Sitting in front of his computer, he cobbled together a bot that would warn members of his family’s chat channel on the communications app Discord when a rocket threatened their location. Tal-Or explained that he used data from the IDF Homefront Command’s website in programming his bot. “It’s tolerated but not officially endorsed,” he said. “I suspect most of the apps are using this.” According to Jameel, the pseudonymous author of the Muqata blog, who also included rocket alert capabilities

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Calendar Highlights

to understand our inheritance. Even more, the lights of Chanukah remind us of our shared history. We Jews, even with our differences, have endured too many threats and challenges in our history. We have survived tyrants and those bent on our destruction. We have worked through internal schisms, and we have welcomed new understandings and new members of our families so that we can continue as a people. And, in these difficult days, the lights of Chanukah remind us of the need for Jewish community. When we light the Chanukah candles together, when we display the chanukiah ablaze in our windows, we offer a welcoming light to our fellow Jews. Chanukah reminds us that we Jews cannot exist alone. We need each other; we need a community to live fully as Jews. This year, let our chanukiah lights shine as an or l’Yehudim, a light to our fellow Jews, reminding all of us of our blessings and encouraging all to engage in the building of our shared future. Rabbi Daniel Fellman is the rabbi at Temple Concord.

Continued from page 5 in his app, “not only is the Homefront Command not helpful, but the apps go against what [it] wants. They do not want precision reports because Hamas uses it to align and improve their rockets against us.” This, however, has not stopped programmers from developing these apps or users from installing them. Yedidya Kennard, who developed one of the first such apps on Android during Operation Protective Edge, said even those who are not under fire want to “keep in touch and feel connected.”

TAY

Continued from page 4

experience, “Destination: India.” The program will feature two programs, an Indian cooking demonstration and a film about the Indian Jewish community. There will be a cooking demonstration of simple Indian dishes, which will be made in the TAY kitchen. Participants will learn how to make the recipes at home and will be able to sample the prepared dishes. All the food made during the program will be kosher dairy. On Sunday, December 16, at 10:30 am, TAY will screen the documentary film “Shalom Bollywood: The Untold Story of Indian Cinema.” Attendees will be able to enjoy a hot cup of Indian chai during the screening. The film is told in the style and feel of a Bollywood film, with all the celebratory singing and dancing, and reveals the unknown history of India’s 2,000-year-old Indian Jewish community and its female superstars who shaped the world’s largest film industry. “Shalom Bollywood” tells the story through the lives of Jewish women who became icons at the heart of Indian cinema from the turn of the 20th century to the present day, from the 1920s silent era to the 1960s golden era of Indian cinema. The documentary has been shown at several major Jewish film festivals, including Miami, Atlanta, San Diego, Philadelphia and Houston. The film program is subsidized by the Abraham and Anita Altman Adult Education Fund. Both programs are open to the community and there is no charge to attend. Reservations are requested by Monday, December 10, and may be made by visiting the TAY website, www.adath.org, and registering online, or by contacting the TAY office at 315-445-0002 or info@adath.org. BLOOD DRIVE AT TEMPLE ADATH YESHURUN On Thursday, December 20, from 1:30-6:30 pm, TAYwill sponsor a blood drive through the American Red Cross. The event will be held in the foyer at Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd,, Syracuse. Donors are asked to enter through the synagogue’s main entrance, under the canopy. To make an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code templeadath. Appointments are encouraged and preferred; however, walk-ins are welcome, but may have to wait for an available donor slot.

Hebrew InterestFree Loan

The Jewish Federation of Central New York has instituted the Hebrew Interest-Free Loan program to help Jewish people get past a temporary financial need. To learn more about the program or to see if you qualify, visit the Federation’s website, www. jewishfederationcny.org.

To see a full calendar of community events, visit the Federation's community calendar online at www.jewishfederationcny.org. Please notify jstander@jewishfederationcny.org of any calendar changes.

Saturday, December 8 Chanukah – Day 6 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Chanukah event at 6 pm Temple Concord Mordechai Rosenstein participation in Saturday Torah study, talking on “My Journey as an Artist” at 10 am, followed by Shabbat services TC “Painting and Pinot” evening with Mordechai Rosenstein at 7:30 pm Sunday, December 9 Chanukah – Day 7 Jewish Genealogy group at 1:30 pm Temple Adath Yeshurun Chanukah celebration beginning at 5:15 pm Mordechai Rosenstein works with the TC religious school children on “The Secret of the Hebrew Alphabet” Monday, December 10 Chanukah – Day 8 Jason Mesches at Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center Jerome and Phyllis Charney Early Childhood Development Program at 5 pm Tuesday, December 11 Epstein School for Jewish Studies at TAY from 6:308:30 pm Federation presents Israeli Deputy Consul General Israel Nitzan at the JCC at 7 pm TC Savoring Judaism series at 7 pm Wednesday, December 12 Syracuse Community Hebrew School at Temple Concord from 4-6 pm Syracuse Hebrew Day School Executive Committee meeting at 7 pm TC Board of Trustees meeting at 7 pm CBS-CS Board of Trustees meeting at 7:30 pm Thursday, December 13 TAY Indian cooking demonstration at 6:30 pm Sunday, December 16 TAY presents documentary film, “Shalom Bollywood: The Untold Story of Indian Cinema,” at 11 am Monday, December 17 SHDS board meeting at 7 pm Tuesday, December 18 JCC Executive Committee meeting at 6 pm, followed by board meeting at 7 pm Epstein School for Jewish Studies at TAY from 6:308:30 pm Wednesday, December 19 Deadline for January 3 Jewish Observer Syracuse Community Hebrew School at Temple Concord from 4-6 pm TAY Executive Committee meeting at 6:30 pm, followed by board meeting at 7:30 pm The Maggid at Wegmans at 7 pm Friday, December 21 TC Goldenberg series presents TC Café with Boichik, Syracuse Jewish rock band, with Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash and her husband Joe Eglash at 7:15 pm Wednesday, January 2 TAY Hazak film, “A Yiddish World Remembered,” at 11 pm Syracuse Community Hebrew School at Temple Concord from 4-6 pm Saturday, January 5 CBS-CS presents “A Taste of Spain,” a dinner honoring Bette Siegel and Steffi Bergman, at 7 pm Sunday, January 6 TC Brotherhood at 9:30 am Tuesday, January 8 Epstein School for Jewish Studies at TAY from 6:308:30 pm Wednesday, January 9 Syracuse Community Hebrew Schoolat Temple Concord from 4-6 pm CBS-CS Board of Trustees meeting at 7:30 pm Thursday, January 10 TAY Rabbi Carl Wolkin adult education program on Jewish sexuality at 7:30 pm Friday, January 11 T C presents Syracusan Sarah L. Young, author of “Nice Jewish Boys,” at Shabbat services at 6 pm Sunday, January 13 TC Tu B’Shevat gan program 10:30 am-noon Free Klezmer music at JCC at 2 pm Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation “Build a Bird Feeder” for Shabbat Shirah at 11 am Tuesday, January 15 JCC Executive Committee meeting at 6 pm, followed by board meeting at 7 pm Epstein School for Jewish Studies at TAY from 6:308:30 pm TC program on “Savoring Judaism” at 7 pm

Continued from page 4 TC OBITUARIES its purest, most beautiful sense.”

The free evening is open to the public and will include snacks and socializing. CINEMAGOGUE PRESENTS “MONKEY BUSINESS: THE ADVENTURES OF CURIOUS GEORGE’S CREATORS” ON DEC. 15 BY CHANA MEIR The documentary “Monkey Business: The Adventures of Curious George’s Creators” will be shown on Saturday, December 15, at 7:30 pm, as part of Temple Concord’s Cinemagogue series. Curious George has been called “the most popular monkey in the world.” Since his introduction in a book published in 1941, the series has sold more than 75 million books and been translated into more than 25 languages. Less well known than Curious George are his creators, Hans and Margret Rey. German Jews, originally from Hamburg, they settled in Paris after honeymooning there. As the Nazis approached in June 1940, Hans built two bicycles, which the couple used to escape just hours before Paris fell. The illustrated manuscript of the first Curious George book was one of the few possessions they were able to smuggle out with them. The film, a mix of animation, live footage and interviews, was the winner of the Best Documentary Feature award at both the Nantucket Film Festival, in 2017, and the Fargo Film Festival, in 2018. Cinemagogue events are free and open to the public, and candy and snacks will be available. Donations are welcome. For more information, call the TC office at 315-475-9952, or email office@templeconcord.org. GREGG TRIPOLI OF OHA TO SPEAK ON “SALT CITY CELLULOID” ON DEC. 16 BY CHANA MEIR Gregg Tripoli, executive director of the Onondaga Historical Association, will discuss “Salt City Celluloid: Syracuse’s Starring Role in the History of Hollywood” on Sunday, December 16, at 11 am, as part of Temple Concord’s Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series. Tripoli will bring to light the sometimes surprising connections between Syracuse and the creation of the motion picture industry in America, from the early movie-making machines to the men behind MGM. Tripoli, who grew up in Central New York, earned a B.A. from Hamilton College and an M.B.A. from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. Before returning home to helm OHA, he spent 25 years as a management consultant, working and living in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, Great Britain, South America, Canada, the U.S. and the Caribbean. Tickets for single Goldenberg events are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Discounted flex subscriptions, for five events, are also available and can be purchased at any event. A subscription form can also be downloaded from www.templeconcord.org under “programs.” For more information on this or any other event, or for a complete series schedule, visit the website, call 315-475-9952, or e-mail office@templeconcord.org. GOLDENBERG SERIES PRESENTS SYRACUSE JEWISH ROCK BAND BOICHIK ON DEC. 21 BY CHANA MEIR Syracuse Jewish rock band Boichik will present its inaugural performance in Temple Concord’s Café series of coffeehouse-style events, on Friday, December 21, at 7:15 pm. The program is part of the Goldenberg Series. Boichik is comprised of Temple Concord Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash, and her husband, songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Joe Eglash. In this unplugged performance, they’ll be joined by friends in upbeat Jewish-American and Israeli music, including many original songs. The performance follows Shabbat services, but audience members need neither to attend services nor be Jewish. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be included in the prepaid $10 price. To sign up, check the event calendar at www.templeconcord.com. For more information on this or any other event, or for a complete series schedule, check the TC website, call 315-475-9952, or e-mail office@templeconcord.org. Tickets for single Goldenberg events are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Discounted flex subscriptions, for five events, are also available and can be purchased at any event. A subscription form can also be downloaded from www.templeconcord.org under “programs.” TOT SHABBAT ON JAN. 4 Rabbi Daniel Fellman and Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash will lead a Tot Shabbat for young children on Friday, January 4, at 5:30 pm. The short Shabbat celebration will include singing, dancing, musical instruments and stories, and will be followed by a kid-friendly kiddush. The service is open to the public and no reservations are required.

DECEMBER 6, 2018/28 KISLEV 5779 ■

IRVING JACOB NEWMAN

Irving Jacob Newman, 93, died on November 26 at Menorah Park. A longtime Syracuse native, he lived in San Diego, CA, for about 30 years and enjoyed botany and collecting fire engine memorabilia. He was a member of SPAAMFA, a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a graduate of Northwestern University and a World War II Navy veteran. In 2016, he was a participant in the Honor Flight Program from Syracuse, NY. He also served on the board of Menorah Park of Central New York. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Levine Newman, one of the first female graduates of Syracuse University College of Law after World War I; his second wife, Ruthann Wiseman Newman; and a stepson, Richard Wiseman. He is survived by his children, Sharon Newman (Steven) Birnkrant and David (Deborah) Newman; stepchildren, Andrew (Lucie) Wiseman, Wendy Wiseman (Theodore) Lawrence and Dana (Amy) Wiseman; grandchildren, Dashiell (Madeleine) Birnkrant, Jacob (Jessica) Newman, Daniel Newman, Elizabeth Labs, Alexander Labs, Amy Wiseman (Michael) Baina, James (Sarah Bernhardt) Wiseman, Lori Wiseman (Matthew) Van Orden, Kate Wiseman, Diane Lawrence (Matthew) Adams, Benjamin Wiseman, Shari (Steve Simon) Wiseman, Richard (Meredith Hickson) Lawrence, Jacob Wiseman; and nine great-grandchildren. Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to Menorah Park, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214. 

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FRITZ ROHRLICH

Fritz Rohrlich, 97, died in DeWitt on November 14. Born in Vienna, Austria, he survived the Holocaust by fleeing to Palestine in 1939. His parents perished in the war. After earning an engineering degree from Israel’s Technion, he came to the U.S. in 1945, and received his Ph.D. from Harvard. His academic career took him to Princeton, Cornell, the University of Iowa and, finally, Syracuse University in 1963, where he was a professor of physics for more than 30 years. He married his first wife, another Syracuse University professor, Beulah Friedman Rohrlich, in 1951. She died in 1992. They traveled widely together on sabbaticals, and he was named honorary professor at several institutions. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Phyllis Lavelanet Rohrlich; two children, Emily R. (Alan) Graham of Barre. VT. and Paul E. Rohrlich (Susan Sandler) of Falls Church, VA; four stepchildren, David J. (Janie) Ferro, Beth Ferro (David) Mitchell, Daniel (Kathy) Ferro and Alain (Kelly Knight) Lavelanet; grandchildren, Noah K. Rohrlich and Jordan G. Rohrlich; and step-grandchildren, Ben and Becca Mitchell, Tim and Megan Ferro, and Paige and Colby Lavelanet; as well as beloved niece and nephews Susannah R. Feldman, David H. Rohrlich and Daniel M. Rohrlich. Contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. 

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NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org

Data shows increase in ultra-Orthodox IDF enlistment

Data obtained from the Knesset Research and Information Center by Israel’s Ynet news organization revealed that 7,250 ultra-Orthodox soldiers have enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces since August 2017, keeping with a steady rise in the number of haredi draft-age men choosing to become part of Israel’s military force. The report was commissioned by Yesh Atid chairman MK Ofer Shelah, who attempted to show that the army invests disproportionate amounts of funding in trying to obtain and support haredi soldiers – funding that could be used for other army populations or in upgrading army resources and training. In 2014, some 42,004 men received service exemptions and deferments. In 2017, that number dropped to 30,286. The report indicates that the number of haredi recruits has increased by 50 percent in recent years, with half of those serving in combat units. The data also showed that approximately one out of every three of these recruits identifies as a “lone soldier” – an IDF soldier who has no family support and requires monthly stipends. Lone soldiers are also eligible for special grants, vouchers, reduced utility bills and other support given that no one is providing for them, or providing them with food and shelter when they are released from base. Officials have also attempted to draft haredim into non-military national civic service, but the program has not drawn significant numbers.

Study of American, Israeli Jews shows differences in Hanukkah observance

A new study reveals that Hanukkah holds different levels of importance to Israeli Jews than American Jews, and highlights disparities in participation between Jews in the two countries. According to the newest Jewish People Policy Institute report, while just 38 percent of Israeli Jews consider Hanukkah to be “one of the three most important holidays” on the Jewish calendar, 73 percent say they light a menorah for all eight nights – 97 percent of people who call themselves “religious,” 86 percent of those who say they are “traditional,” and 71 percent of those who consider themselves “secular, but a little traditional.” Among the 28 percent of Israelis who call themselves “completely secular,” 44 percent still light candles on some night, while 40 percent say they still light the candles all eight nights. After the lights are lit, 64 percent distribute Hanukkah gifts and money, and 79 percent eat traditional Hanukkah foods like sufganiyot (doughnuts) or latkes (potato pancakes). In America, however, 68 percent

Deal

that the “Rabbinate’s influence in Europe will diminish.” He also said that “few converts will be affected” by the agreement, which he said is not designed to change reality on the ground, but to “formalize jurisdictions.” In addition to unaffiliated Orthodox

Continued from page 2 conversion authorities, Israel also has Reform and Masorti, or Conservative, programs. But those programs’ converts “rarely seek to have their conversion recognized by the Rabbinate,” which does not recognize them, according to the report commissioned by Netanyahu.

say Hanukkah is one of the most important Jewish holidays, but just 60 percent light the menorah for the whole eight days of celebration. Shmuel Rosner and Camil Fuchs, in a new book called “#IsraeliJudaism: A Portrait of a Cultural Revolution,” primarily studied Israeli practices and surveyed 3,000 Israeli Jews for the report.

Russian Prisoner of Zion Anatoly Altman dies at age 77

Former Prisoner of Zion Anatoly Altman, one of a group of Jews arrested by Soviet officials for attempting to hijack a plane to Israel, died on Nov. 29 in Haifa. He was 77 years old. Born in Ukraine, Altman was tried for “treason against the homeland” in 1970 after he and several other Russian Jews were arrested by the KGB at the Leningrad airport for “Operation Wedding,” which was an attempt to commandeer a plane and fly it to Israel. “Today is a very difficult day, but I’m happy, too,” Altman said at his trial. “Because today I started my way home [to Israel]. … And I’m sure, maybe it may take years in prison, but I’m sure I’ll get home to Israel, and from today until that time in the future, I say ‘Shalom to Eretz Yisrael.’” Altman was found guilty in court and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor in a gulag, but was released in 1979, upon which he immigrated directly to Israel.

FIDE cancels chess contest in Riyadh after legal action

The international chess governing body – the Fédération lnternationale des Échecs (FIDE) – has agreed to strip Saudi Arabia from the right to host a forthcoming chess tournament after a lawyers’ letter was sent by two Israeli nationals. Saudi Arabia was due to host the World Blitz and Rapid Championship, but the tournament will now be moved after the Israelis wrote to FIDE. The Israelis, who were being supported in their action by the Lawfare Project, were prevented along with Israeli teammates from taking part in the same tournament in Saudi Arabia last year because of their nationality. Israeli chess grandmaster Ilya Smirin and pro-Israeli activist, chess organiser and former spokesperson for the Israeli Chess Federation Lior Aizenberg wrote to FIDE seeking assurances that it will not allow host countries to perpetrate such discrimination against Israelis again. Saudi Arabia denied visas to seven Israeli chess players in December 2017, preventing them from competing in the World Blitz and Rapid Championships in Riyadh. Lawyers wrote to FIDE on behalf of the Israeli players on Oct. 1. The letter made clear that their “inability to participate in this Tournament was due to FIDE’s failure to secure entry visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Israeli nationals and, correspondingly, its failure to guarantee their equal treatment and to protect them against discrimination on the basis of their nationality.” The letter cited official FIDE policies that it “rejects discriminatory treatment for national, political, racial, social or religious reasons or on account of gender” and stipulate that FIDE-sanctioned events may, according to Article 1.2 of the FIDE Statutes, “be hosted only by Federations where free access is generally assured to representatives of all Federations.” Brooke Goldstein, the executive director of the Lawfare Project welcomed FIDE’s decision. “We couldn’t just sit and wait for FIDE to do the right thing; we are proud to have supported this action, which ensures that no chess player will be banned from a tournament because of their nationality,” said Goldstein. “It is hard to believe that in 2018, a country could be allowed to host an international event while practicing such blatant discrimination, but I welcome FIDE’s decision to make sure that last year’s scandal will not be repeated.”